Security forces appear to be deporting Cambodian migrants in what activists say is a well coordinated campaign.
Antonio Zambardino Last updated: 20 Jun 2014 See more pictures at Al Jazeera.
More than 100,000 [The Guardian said 220,000] Cambodian migrant workers have returned from Thailand over the last two weeks following the May 22 military coup. Some have been deported by the Thai military, in what appears to be well-coordinated raids.
The Thai military denies a policy of deportation. Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman Sek Wannamethee, termed claims of mass deportations, or plans to expel Cambodians as "groundless" and "rumours".
Cambodians generally work in low-paid occupations in Thailand, with the aim of sending money home to their families.
Political unrest caused Thailand's economy to contract in the last quarter, meaning businesses could be less reliant on migrant labourers than during previous years. As rumours swirl about violent attacks targeting foreign migrants, it remains unclear for how long the exodus will continue.
/Antonio Zambardino/Al Jazeera
Thai security forces accompany migrants to a police station.
/Antonio Zambardino/Al Jazeera
Some migrants have complained that Thai police are demanding bribes to allow them to travel in peace.
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